I have just returned from an overseas trip.  It’s always an adventure to experience other cultures as you meet new people and see the world from a different perspective.  As you travel overseas you realize there are many aspects of your culture that you may take for granted:

Meaningful work

Educational opportunities

Reliable infrastructure

Relative safety and security

Having enough food to eat

Even having internet access (take a look at this video to see the importance of an internet connection)

It seems that it is easier to complain about what we don’t have than to be grateful for what we have (see this post on Contentment, or this one on Gratitude, or this one on Thankfulness).  The Apostle Paul’s advice is for us to have His peace and to be thankful,

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.  (Colossians 3:15)

It’s been said that God has two dwelling places; one in heaven and the other in a grateful heart.  Do you have a grateful heart?  What is something you have been taking for granted?

Dr. Rick Higgins

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University